Real Madrid 'plotting big-money move for Jude Bellingham in 2023

Real Madrid are reportedly targeting a big-money move for Jude Bellingham next year.

The 18-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise in world football following his move from Birmingham to Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2020 and is now one of the most sought-after talents in the game.

And while his brilliant performances for club and country have caught the eye of Europe's elite, it has seen Real join the race to sign him who are now planning to splash the cash in order to bring him to the Spanish capital in 2023, according to AS.

The report goes on to suggest that the Spanish giants view the England international as the 'ideal replacement' for Luka Modric, who turns 37 later this year.

Real are keen to rejuvenate their midfield, given Modric (36), Toni Kroos (32) and Casemiro (30) are all now in their thirties and a move for Bellingham would see him join another supremely talented midfielder in Eduardo Camavinga at the club.

While Dortmund paid £25million for a 17-year-old Bellingham in 2020, his price is now thought to have quadrupled and will cost any potential suitors above £100m given his potential.

This has led Real to reportedly shelve plans to buy the teenager until next year, given that they are prioritising moves for either Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland this summer.

Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United are also said to be interested in signing Bellingham but may now find the task of signing him all that much harder given Real's pull in the transfer market.

Bellingham was part of England's squad for last summer's European Championship and looks certain to travel to this year's World Cup after shining on only his fourth international start - his 12th cap overall.

His performances for England and in training have left Manchester City winger Jack Grealish stunned at just how good he is for his age.

'I haven't actually (played with a teenager who is that good),' Grealish said. 'It is scary how good he is at 18.

'He is just so mature. He is built like he is my age at 26. He has so much technical ability and he is mature for his age.

'I can tell you one thing, I was nowhere near as good at 18. I was at Notts County (on loan from Villa) and I was a scrawny little thing as well.

'You see talented 18 or 19-year-old kids but not many are that mature as he is on the pitch. He is so versatile and can play in many different positions on the pitch.

'He can be a six, eight or a 10. It was good to play with him and I think it was my first time playing with him. It is nice to play with a fellow Brummie.'